We all carry on a continuous internal dialogue with ourselves. This is known as “self-talk” and it impacts how we perceive situations. Sometimes, people use self-talk to say things to themselves they would never say out loud to someone they care about. This is called negative-self talk, and is common with people experiencing depression. But you have the power to change negative self-talk and re [...]

When talk of a virus outbreak hits close to home, it’s normal to feel stressed about a potential pandemic and emerging health crisis. No matter how you're feeling, New Directions can help. Visit ndbh.com à Resources à Self-help tools for the latest on COVID-19.  Access the Health Resou [...]

It’s February – the season for love notes, flowers and heart-shaped chocolates. Maybe that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, or maybe it makes you want to fast-forward to March. Instead of putting pressure on your significant other or your relationship status, try treating yourself to some self-compassion this month. Be kind to yourself. Show yourself the same e [...]

Early in my career, a coworker looked at me and said,” You are a very negative person.” My initial reaction was to feel a bit hurt, but something in me recognized some truth. Whenever I saw someone, I immediately and instinctively found something negative. There were things said about me and to me as a child that formed a negative frame of mind. I’m pretty sure that negativity started w [...]

When I think of the strawberry, I am reminded of a quote by William Allen Butler: “Doubtless God could have made a better berry, than a strawberry, doubtless God never did.”  Webster’s dictionary defines a strawberry as a small red fruit. I would add that even though it is small in size, it is large in flavor. Strawberries are grown throughout [...]

Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to get or stay healthy in 2020? The Better You Strides online wellness program can help with that and reward you along the way. Start your journey by taking 15-20 minutes to complete a personal health assessment. It will set the path for the health and wellness activities, videos and quizzes you tackle along the way. Topics include managing your hea [...]

Whether you’re kicking a bad habit or hope to crush your personal and professional goals in 2020, you are capable of staying track with the right focus and commitment. Here are some tips to get you started on the right foot:  Be willing to take baby steps. If you decide to make big changes too quickly, you can derail your goals for behavior change. Small successes [...]

Loneliness is a tricky emotion to understand. Maybe you feel like you’re lacking attachments you once had, or you’re facing something new like an unfamiliar school, town, job or other life change. Perhaps you feel like you don’t have anyone to share your feelings and experiences with. Or you feel unlovable – even if others don’t think so – and aren’t sure why. However it presents itself, loneli [...]

August 2nd is National Coloring Book Day, and did you know there are actual health benefits of coloring?   When you pick up a crayon coloring can bring joy and peace to your life.  [...]

If you’ve every browsed the shelves at health-food store, you’ve probably seen the super vitamin pills, grape seed extract and other tablets and tonics that promise renewed zest and energy. Not surprisingly, medical experts urge caution when using these products. Instead of popping a pill to restore long-lost vigor, here [...]